Navigating the challenges: What lies ahead for RR with Rahul Dravid-Sanju Samson reunion in IPL 2025?

Rajasthan Royals have built a strong reputation for having one of the most formidable bowling lineups in the league each season. This season is no different, with their impressive roster of bowlers. However, much of their success may hinge on the fitness of Archer throughout the season. Despite finishing third in the league stage last season, the team faced a slump with four consecutive losses in their last five matches. They managed to secure a win against RCB in the eliminator but fell short against SRH in Qualifier 2, losing by 36 runs.

Strength: Experience in bowling, potentially big-hitting batters

RR's season could really depend on whether their personnel have a good time of it or not. They have talent flowing through every vein of their squad and in Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, they have two spinners who have been largely consistent in their IPL careers. Sandeep Sharma can be depended on, as he has shown every season despite not being spoken of as much as the big names.

Weakness: Uncertainties in the pace department

It is in the pace department that the question marks come in. Tushar Deshpande and Fazalhaq Farooqi have once again proven dependable campaigners but for Archer, this IPL could really be his first big test of fitness. He has played a few T20Is and ODIs for England in the last few months but surviving the rigours of travels week in, week out in the IPL with little time to recuperate could prove to be a decisive parameter to test if Archer truly is dependably back to full fitness. If he isn't, though, it could be bad news for RR.

Fresh Faces

The IPL had a bit of a taste of South African pace prodigy Kwena Maphaka when he made two appearances for Mumbai Indians last season. With RR's pedigree for developing young talent, we might just see more of the 18-year-old here. Apart from him, of course, is the ultimate fresh face in this IPL. There were all sorts of reactiuions that came in when 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi was snapped up by RR in the auction. He has already impressed captain Samson with his big-hitting skills. An exciting season ahead for him no matter what happens.

Prediction

If all goes well for RR, it will be a surprise if they don't finish in the top four. However, while their bowling attack is a strong unit, it doesn't quite have the punch that the likes of Boult and Chahal packed. On paper, it looks like RR have a squad to make it to the playoffs. Beyond that, question marks galore.

RR Full Squad: Sanju Samson (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma, Jofra Archer, Wainindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Nitish Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Charak, Fazal Farooqi, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Kwena Maphaka, Kunal Rathore, Ashok Sharma.

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